If you live in a storm-prone area, you should have disaster plans not just for your family, but for your pets. In hurricane or wildfire zones, plan your escape routes. During flash floods (which hit my county hard last autumn), know how you'll get away, and where your nearest shelter is located. During tornado season, determine the safe area in your home (typically the northwest corner on the lowest level) and set up sturdy crates for all your animals. Practice drills, and make sure your dogs and cats will reliable enter their crates upon command. Fill a plastic bin with at least three days' worth of pet food, clean water, and first aid supplies like flashlights, gauze, and medical tape. Include extra leashes, collars, and muzzles for your dogs (an injured dog is more likely to bite out of pain and fear, so safety for the human rescuers is an important part of your disaster plan).
And remember, a trained dog is much easier to handle than an untrained dog. This is a good time for refresher training on recalls and loose-leash walking. Don't wait until you need certain behaviors from your dog; rather, plan for the unexpected.
Here in Georgia, when disaster strikes and folks need to evacuate their homes and go to a public shelter, laws have been changed that now require human shelters to accommodate family pets. Some humane societies, boarding kennels, and veterinary offices will take in pets for the short term. Find out in advance where your pets are welcome if you need temporary housing.
My prayers are with those families to my west who lost loved ones last weekend.
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